Riyadh, December 10, 2021, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia becomes a member in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2022-2023 through the voting of the member states in the elections held in London, Britain. IMO is a UN specialized agency whose mission is promoting safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation of the state members and has a regulatory authority and its resolutions are binding on all state members. On this occasion, Dr. Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, President of Transport General Authority announced that this membership is a culmination of the efforts of our wise leadership in the development of the maritime transportation sector and the various initiatives announced by the HRH Crown Prince to protect and maintain the maritime environment. This membership will allow Saudi Arabia to continue supporting the Organization's efforts and initiatives and contribute to the development of international laws and regulations that would develop global trade, transport and international shipping. Through its effective role in IMO, Saudi Arabia will achieve 2030 Vision and become one of the leading countries in maritime by consolidating its strong position. Al-Rumaih stated that the national strategy for transport and logistics services adopt many of the ambitious initiatives and targets which will place Saudi Marine Sector among the advanced countries. Additionally, by 2030, we will handle 41 Million Containers annually, facilitate the procedures of goods clearance and handling to be completed in less than two hours, develop Marine Tourism Sector to serve 19 million passengers annually through cruise ships and coastal transportation to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a center point between the East and West and a route for passing 13% of the world trade through the Red Sea, in addition to 70% of the energy supplies that go through the Arabian Gulf, thus enhancing the position of the Saudi Navy, which is ranked # 1 regionally and 20 globally in terms of tons load. --SPA 20:37 LOCAL TIME 17:37 GMT 0024 www.spa.gov.sa/w1663422